The word homecoming brings many images to mind.
Festive dances in high school auditoriums marked by gaudy, overpriced dresses, boring suits and ties, corsages, kings, queens, soccer games ...
Soccer games?
Homecoming will take on a new meaning for Michigan soccer coach Debbie Belkin when the Wolverines travel to Amherst, Mass., to face UMass tomorrow and New Hampshire on Sunday.
The trip should bring back memories for Belkin, who was an All-America defender for UMass, leading her team to four final four appearances at the NCAA championships from 1984-87.
The fourth-year Michigan coach won't have much time to reminisce, however, because the Wolverines should have their hands full with Belkin's alma mater.
UMass was ranked 19th in preseason polls and so far hasn't failed to disappoint.
The Minutewomen hold a 1-0 record after shutting out Fairfield, 4-0, in their season opener.
UMass is also a much more established team, compared to Michigan, which has only existed for the four years Belkin has been coaching.
"Massachusetts is a quality, experienced team," Belkin said. "They've made the NCAA tournament since the early 1980s."
But the Wolverines have also had their own taste of early season success. Michigan started the season with two victories, including an impressive win over No. 24 Kentucky.
Belkin said the experience will come in handy against a veteran team such as UMass.
"Beating Kentucky was a big deal," Belkin said. "A big confidence booster - just to know that in the tough games we can come out on top.
"We know that every game is going to be like that and tougher."
Although Belkin said she won't determine the starting lineup until the Wolverines arrive in Amherst, one good bet is freshman defender Erin Gilhart.
Gilhart played all 180 minutes of Michigan's first two games and was the only freshman Wolverine to earn Kentucky Invitational All-Tournament honors.
Like Belkin during her years playing for UMass, Gilhart is also a defensive specialist. And, like Belkin, Gilhart will probably figure into Michigan's success during her four years.
An NSCAA/Umbro All-American for Lakota High School in West Chester, Ohio, Gilhart was ready to step into a contributing role the moment she became a Wolverine.
"I felt like I was ready to play," Gilhart said. "I was pretty confident but a little nervous."
The older members of the team helped make the transition from high school to college much easier for Gilhart.
"With the defense, we all clicked really well, so it was fun," Gilhart said. "It's been great. They've all been really helpful, and everybody gets along well.
"That's going to really bring us together the whole year."
Gilhart said that Michigan is going to surprise a lot of people - including the entire UMass team.
"I really don't know too much about them, aside from their ranking," Gilhart said. "If we keep playing how we are and not worry about ranks, we'll be fine. I think we're a lot stronger than people give us credit for."
Doing research on the Minutewomen is Belkin's job, and she said the Wolverines would be ready to face her ex-team - even though a few things may have changed for UMass since she was a player.
"We have a chance at every game - everyone has a chance," Belkin said.
"We'll get our scouting report and see what we can have a look at."
Gilhart will have to deal with a potent offensive threat in UMass' Emma Kurowski. The sophomore forward lead her team last year with 29 points on 11 goals and seven assists.
The Minutewomen are also strong on the defensive end. Danielle Dion is the top goalkeeper in the Atlantic Ten conference with a 0.76 goals-against average.
Not to be forgotten is New Hampshire. The Wildcats aren't as highly touted as the Minutewomen, but they also hold a 1-0 record at the start of the season.
New Hampshire will also benefit from the return of senior forward Niki Begin.
Begin led the Wildcats in scoring in 1995 with 18 points but only faced limited action last year due to injury.
Gilhart's defensive counterpart on New Hampshire is Shannon Strong, a senior who earned preseason all-conference honors.
Although the Wolverines may face many outstanding individuals on opposing teams, Gilhart said Michigan's depth at a number of key positions - not just one or two - is what makes Michigan stand out.
"We're tough," Gilhart said. "We're really good in the air, and we're unpredictable. All of our styles are different, so I think that really helps us and makes us unique.
"You never really know what's going to happen."
The weekend trip may be a homecoming for Belkin, but a young Michigan team is going to try to rain on Massachusetts and New Hampshire's parades.
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
Michigan soccer player Marie Spaccarotella and the rest of the Wolverines travel to New England this weekend to take on UMass and New Hampshire. Michigan coach Debbie Belkin will return to UMass, her alma mater, where she played defense and led UMass to four final four appearances from 1984-87.